Pierre & Vacances, the leading provider of self-catered chalets across Europe, advises on how to be savvy with self-catering.

Are you looking to save a few pennies on your ski holiday this winter?

As we fast approach the winter season, our friends at Pierre & Vacances have pulled together their knowledge and collected ways to cut corners when skiing (not literally).

Self-catering is becoming increasingly popular for British tourists.

The looming threat of even poorer exchange rates and potential visas aren't helping people make their holiday decisions.

As holidaymakers look for good value for money in overseas holidays abroad, there is also a demand for more flexibility, required as people try to make their holiday fit right for them.

And self-catering is one of these factors - a home-from-home environment.

It has always been a good option for reducing costs, but gone are the days where self-catering equates to sleeping like a battery hen in compact and run-down apartments.

Avoriaz

"We have seen an increase in customers to resorts that have been traditionally known for chalet holidays such as Val d'Isère and La Tania," the UK & Ireland Sales Director for Pierre & Vacances, Cathy Rankin, says.

"Avoriaz, which is traditionally known for being a self-catering resort, is going from strength to strength with consistently high sales figures.

"These figures might suggest that British skiers are no longer bound to chalet stays and the Saturday to Saturday package holidays of the past."

Tips on how to make the most of self-catering

Guests can now stay in high-end residences with facilities that rival top hotels.

Pierre & Vacances has 14 premium residences in the Alps for the 'ski and spa' experience.

There are swimming pools - both inside and outside - saunas, hammams, gyms.

Luxury extras for everyone

The French company also offers a range of catering options to pick and choose meals from, to fit around the holiday schedule.

Skiers out on the mountain during the day won't want to spend money on full-board packages, for example.

Skiers staying at Residence Les Balcons de Bellevarde can prepare packed lunches in their kitchens and heat it up in Val d'Isère's new designated space for picnics at the top of the Solaise lift.

If you want patisserie bread and pastries delivered in the morning, so you can get up, eat and get out - Pierre & Vacances can sort this out.

Don't want to miss out on the regional cuisine by cooking at the apartment?

In some resorts, traiteurs such as Le Gourmet Montagnard near Premium Residence Arc 1950 Le Village and even some small supermarkets serve ready-made tartiflettes and other local dishes to take away and eat at home.

Savoyard dishes in front of a film or in bed after skiing - doesn't get much better...

In many chalets, remember you can request fondue and raclette kits to make your own.

In the mountains, a great option is finding a local catering company that can cook and deliver feasts for self-catered apartments.

Then there's this factor:

Ever feel like you've come home from an alpine break having over-indulged a little, feeling less healthy despite the fresh air and exercise?

Self-catering can help you control what you eat and have a healthier diet, as well as keeping the cost down.

3* Residence Les Balcons de Bellevarde Val d'IsèreA seven-night self-catered stay in an apartment that sleeps up to five people arriving Saturday 8 December 2018 costs £628 (down from £818 saving 23%). Save more than 20% on Christmas and New Year holidays.